Does the direction of tumescent solution delivery matter in endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein?

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the two different directions of tumescent solution delivery (from distal to proximal knee to the saphenofemoral junction [SFJ] or proximal to distal SFJ to the knee) in terms of differences in tumescent volume, number of punctures, and pain and comfort scores of patients. METHODS: A total of 100 patients were treated with endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) under local anesthesia between August 2013 and October 2013. These 100 patients were divided into two groups. In group 1, tumescent solution was delivered in a proximal to distal direction. In group 2, the tumescent solution was delivered in a distal to proximal direction. In each group, the great saphenous vein (GSV) diameter, delivered total energy, treated GSV length, delivered tumescent volume, number of punctures, and pain and comfort scores were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: All patients were treated unilaterally. EVLA was performed with 100% technical success in all patients. There was no difference statistically between group 1 and group 2 according to GSV diameter, delivered total energy, and treated GSV length. Average tumescent volume, number of punctures, and pain scores in group 2 were lower than in group 1 (p = 0.0001; p < 0.05). Also, the average comfort score was higher in group 2 than in group 1 (p = 0.0001; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that delivering the tumescent solution in a distal to proximal direction increases the comfort of both patient and surgeon with lower tumescent volume during the EVLA of the GSV.